Suiting up for a Sizzling Summer

This week Mother Nature must have had a hot flash because it hit 100 degrees in Phoenix! Not that it was totally unusual, but having it hit triple digits before May is often a tell-tale sign of a brutal summer. My fingers are crossed that this was just a freak weather occurrence.

On a positive note, however, the hot temps got me thinking about my favorite part of summer -- lounging by a pool or possibly a beach in a cute, little bikini! I started perusing the Web for some cute looks for this season, but found a lot of the same-old, same-old. The whole 50s inspired swimsuits are still popular, and they are definitely cute, but I've already been there and done that in a post last spring.

So, what I found and wanted to share are some swimsuits that cover the spectrum of styles this summer. I've got geometric prints, jewel-tones, mixed prints and stripes. Take your pick and then get ready to take a dip - ha!

Ring Bandeau & Side-Cinched Skirtini, Delias, $59


Racerback Sliding Halter & Gold-Ring Low-Rise Bottoms, Victoria's Secret, $49


Beaded Floral Triangle Top & Floral Print Double-String Bottom, Victoria's Secret $33.98


Alli Top & Bottom, ViX, $79

P.S. I know they are all bikinis, so if that isn't your style, send me some suggestions (links) to the swimsuits you'd love to wear this summer.

Everyone Wants to Wear Them

Pants. Trousers. Slacks. Chinos. Wherever your from, and however you say it, pants are the great equalizer. Over the last century, they've been instrumental in getting women out of their uncomfortable, fru-fru-y yards of fabric into the free-wheeling comfortable design of movable and durable fabric. And, oh boy, have we come along way!

Gone are the days of the ill-fitting, paper-bag cinched, scratchy fabric pants. Now pants have style. Have panache. Have sophistication. Designers have melded functionality with wit; comfort with sass; and, masculinity with femininity.

Here are just a few examples of how the Fall season looks are taking this transformation full-circle with retro-inspired looks with a touch of modernity.

Emeraldine Trousers, $228; Herringbone Trousers, $98, both Anthropologie


High-waist Trouser, Victoria's Secret, $88. Croco Tweed Cuffed Pant, Bebe, $139


High Waist Sailor Trouser, Arden B, $98. High Waisted Trouser in Sand Plaid, Raven (shoptwigs.com), $78

Beach-Bound Babe

I am heading to San Diego for a few days for a much needed vacation. My plans include relaxing on the beach, strolling on the boardwalk, eating awesome food and of course doing a little shopping. Since I'll mostly be in beachwear, or more specifically a bikini, I'll want a cover-up that can take me from the beach to the bar to the boutique. Here is an easy go-to look that is sexy, sophisticated and sand-friendly.

Shimmer wrap halter top & bikini bottom, Victoria's Secret, $14.99/ea


Ethnic Stripe Halter Dress, Echo, $68


Aruba Thong, Sanuk, $28.86


Striped Straw Beach Tote, Old Navy, $6.99

The Persistence of Paisley

It's indefatigable to some. To others it's a reminder of the psychedelic summers of love. And for a more recent generation, it's been crowned the new look of the season -- a retro-glam look with a pinch of quirkiness. Whatever your feelings are towards the pugnacious paisley print, it has definitely come a long way from its dutiful days on dad's ties. Below is a sampling of the current revival of sophisticated paisley in dresses that run the gamut of style and price.

Question: What trend would you like to see come back to life, and what trend do you hope stays dead forever?

Designer Look

Paisley print evening gown, Roberto Cavalli, $4615


Bargain Looks

Paisley print summer dress, edressme.com, $85


Paisley print sheath dress, Ann Taylor LOFT, $49.99


Maxi dress, Victoria's Secret, $69

You Suit Me

Finding the perfect suit is like finding the perfect man -- it doesn't exist. But, hunting for "the one" is still a thrill -- suits, I mean, not men... er, okay, both!

Here are a few adorable ones (again, suits) and one adorable man... in a suit!


Bouclé double-breasted jacket, $128; Bouclé tulip skirt, $39.50, Victoria's Secret


Tahari by Arthur S. Levine Skirt Suit with Contrast Belt & Buttons, $138


New York Herringbone Twill Suit Jacket and Skirt, Anne Klein, $198


And, for the adorable man in a suit...

Patrick Dempsey in Versace

"Oh... oh those summer nights!"

Well-a-well-a-well-a ohhh... I am back. Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. My Internet connection decided to take a vacation this week. It's back, but now it's got me thinking about my own pending summer vacation plans. Sun, sand, ocean, and a little Vegas baby will do the trick for me this year. I can't wait! To get everyone in the mood, here is a buffet of cool swimwear for every size & shape and various budgets. Stay tuned for more vay-kay looks...


Lauren by Ralph Lauren Empire Halter One-Piece, $90


Lace Print Plunge-Neck Halter, Spiegel, $39




Ruffled Striped Tankini, Gap, Top $36.50, Bottom $32.50


Halter Tankini, Spiegel, $29


Beach Sexy - Adjustable Triangle Top $20, Low-Rise Bottom, $19, Victoria's Secret


Beach Sexy - Adjustable Triangle Top $17, Double String Bottom $17, Victoria's Secret


Shape fx Keyhole Bandeau Swimdress, $29, Spiegel

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

It's Spring Training time... well, at least here in Arizona it is. Yep, every year in March, baseball teams converge on Phoenix and it's surrounding suburbs to take in the beautiful weather and the posh training facilities our cities have erected to bring tourism & big bucks to their economies. Above all else, these games are a great place to people watch, and to be watched by good-looking, all-American, baseball-beer-drinking-loving men! And what better way to get their attention than to look fabulously chic in a cute & approachable outfit that says "Hello, boys! Buy me a beer!"

Designer Look















Top, $285; Shorts, $175.00, both Milly












Shoes, $395, Valentino


Bargain Look

















Top, $69, Bebe



















Shorts, $22.50, Old Navy















Shoes, $29, Victoria's Secret

Totals
Designer Look: $855
Bargain Look: $120.50
A savings of $734.50!!